vein

vein

[vān]

a vessel through which blood passes from various organs or parts back to the heart, in the systemic circulation carrying blood that has given up most of its oxygen. Veins, like arteries, have three coats: an inner coat (tunica intima), middle coat (tunica media), and outer coat (tunica externa); however, in veins these are less thick and collapse when the vessel is cut. Many veins, especially superficial ones, have valves formed of reduplication of their lining membrane. See Appendix 2-6 and see also Plates.

afferent v's veins that carry blood to an organ.

allantoic v's paired vessels that accompany the allantois, growing out from the primitive hindgut and entering the body stalk of the early embryo.

cardinal v's embryonic vessels that include the pre- and postcardinal veins and the ducts of Cuvier (common cardinal veins).

emissary vein one passing through a foramen of the skull and draining blood from a cerebral sinus into a vessel outside the skull. See anatomic Table of Veins in the Appendices.

postcardinal v's paired vessels in the early embryo that return blood from regions caudal to the heart.

precardinal v's paired venous trunks in the embryo cranial to the heart.

pulp v's vessels draining the venous sinuses of the spleen.

subcardinal v's paired vessels in the embryo, replacing the postcardinal veins and persisting to some degree as definitive vessels.

sublobular v's tributaries of the hepatic veins that receive the central veins of hepatic lobules.

supracardinal v's paired vessels in the embryo developing later than the subcardinal veins and persisting chiefly as the lower segment of the inferior vena cava.

thebesian v's smallest cardiac veins; see anatomic Table of Veins in the Appendices.

accompanying vein a vein that closely follows the artery of the same name, seen especially in limbs.

accompanying vein of hypoglossal nerve a vessel, formed by union of the vena profunda linguae and the vena sublingualis, that accompanies the hypoglossal nerve; it empties into the facial, lingual, or internal jugular vein.

afferent veins veins that carry blood to an organ.

allantoic veins paired vessels that accompany the allantois, growing out from the primitive hindgut and entering the body stalk of the early embryo.

anastomotic vein, inferior a vein that interconnects the superficial middle cerebral vein and the transverse sinus.

angular vein a short vein between the eye and the root of the nose; it is formed by union of the supratrochlear and supraorbital veins and continues inferiorly as the facial vein.

antebrachial vein, median a vein that arises from a palmar venous plexus and passes up the forearm between the cephalic and the basilic veins to the elbow, where it either joins one of these, bifurcates to join both, or joins the median cubital vein.

anterior veins of right ventricle small veins that drain blood from the ventral aspect of the right ventricle and empty into the right atrium.

anterior vein of septum pellucidum a vein that drains the anterior septum pellucidum into the superior thalamostriate vein.

appendicular vein the accompanying vein of the appendicular artery; it unites with the anterior and posterior cecal veins to form the ileocolic vein.

vein of aqueduct of cochlea a vein along the aqueduct of the cochlea that empties into the superior bulb of the internal jugular vein.

vein of aqueduct of vestibule a small vein from the internal ear that passes through the aqueduct of the vestibule and empties into the superior petrosal sinus.

arcuate veins of kidney a series of complete arches across the bases of the renal pyramids; they are formed by union of the interlobular veins and the straight venules of kidney and drain into the interlobar veins.

articular veins small vessels that drain the plexus around the temporomandibular articulation into the retromandibular vein.

auditory veins, internal labyrinthine veins.

auricular veins, anterior branches from the anterior part of the pinna that enter the superficial temporal vein.

auricular vein, posterior a vein that begins in a plexus on the side of the head, passes down behind the pinna, and joins with the retromandibular vein to form the external jugular vein.

axillary vein the venous trunk of the upper limb; it begins at the lower border of the teres major muscle by junction of the basilic and brachial veins, and at the lateral border of the first rib is continuous with the subclavian vein.

azygos vein an intercepting trunk for the right intercostal veins as well as a connecting branch between the superior and inferior venae cavae: it arises from the ascending lumbar vein, passes up in the posterior mediastinum to the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra, where it arches over the root of the right lung and empties into the superior vena cava.

azygos vein, left hemiazygos vein.

basal vein a vein that arises at the anterior perforated substance, passes backward and around the cerebral peduncle, and empties into the internal cerebral vein.

basilic vein the superficial vein that arises from the ulnar side of the dorsal rete of the hand, passes up the forearm, and joins with the brachial veins to form the axillary vein.

basilic vein, median a vein sometimes present as the medial branch, ending in the basilic vein, of a bifurcation of the median antebrachial vein.

basivertebral veins venous sinuses in the cancellous tissue of the bodies of the vertebrae, which communicate with the plexus of veins on the anterior surface of the vertebrae and with the anterior internal vertebral plexus.

brachial veins the venae comitantes of the brachial artery, which join with the basilic vein to form the axillary vein.

brachiocephalic vein either of the two veins that drain blood from the head, neck, and upper limbs, and unite to form the superior vena cava. Each is formed at the root of the neck by union of the ipsilateral internal jugular and subclavian veins. The right vein passes almost vertically downward in front of the brachiocephalic artery, and the left vein passes from left to right behind the upper part of the sternum. Each vein receives the vertebral, deep cervical, deep thyroid, and internal thoracic veins. The left vein also receives intercostal, thymic, tracheal, esophageal, phrenic, mediastinal, and pericardiac branches, as well as the thoracic duct; and the right vein receives the right lymphatic duct.

bronchial veins vessels that drain blood from the larger subdivisions of the bronchi; on the left they drain into the azygos vein and on the right they drain into the hemiazygos vein or superior intercostal vein.

vein of bulb of penis a vein draining blood from the bulb of the penis into the internal pudendal vein.

vein of bulb of vestibule a vein draining blood from the bulb of the vestibule of the vagina into the internal pudendal vein.

cardiac veins, anterior anterior veins of right ventricle.

cardiac vein, great a vein that collects blood from the anterior surface of the ventricles, follows the anterior longitudinal sulcus, and empties into the coronary sinus.

cardiac vein, middle a vein that collects blood from the diaphragmatic surface of the ventricles, follows the posterior longitudinal sulcus, and empties into the coronary sinus.

cardiac vein, small a vein that collects blood from both parts of the right heart, follows the coronary sulcus to the left, and opens into the coronary sinus.

cardiac veins, smallest numerous small veins arising in the muscular walls and draining independently into the cavities of the heart, and most readily seen in the atria.

cardinal veins embryonic vessels that include the precardinal and postcardinal veins and the ducts of Cuvier (common cardinal v's) .

cavernous veins of penis veins that return the blood from the corpora cavernosa to the deep veins and the dorsal vein of the penis.

central veins of liver veins in the middle of the hepatic lobules, draining into the hepatic vein.

central vein of retina the vein that is formed by union of the retinal veins; it passes out of the eyeball in the optic nerve to empty into the superior ophthalmic vein.

central vein of suprarenal gland the large single vein into which the various veins within the substance of the gland empty, and which continues at the hilum as the suprarenal vein.

cephalic vein the superficial vein that arises from the radial side of the dorsal rete of the hand, and winds anteriorly to pass along the anterior border of the brachioradialis muscle; above the elbow it ascends along the lateral border of the biceps muscle and the pectoral border of the deltoid muscle, and opens into the axillary vein.

cephalic vein, accessory a vein arising from the dorsal rete of the hand, passing up the forearm to join the cephalic vein just above the elbow.

cephalic vein, median a vein sometimes present as the lateral branch, ending in the cephalic vein, formed by bifurcation of the median antebrachial vein.

cerebellar veins, inferior veins that drain the inferior surface of the cerebellum and empty into the transverse, sigmoid, inferior petrosal, and occipital sinuses.

cerebellar veins, superior veins that drain the superior surfaces of the cerebellar hemisphere and empty into the straight sinus and the great cerebral vein or into the transverse and superior petrosal sinuses.

cerebral vein, deep middle the vein that accompanies the middle cerebral artery in the floor of the lateral sulcus, and joins the basal vein.

cerebral vein, great a short median trunk formed by union of the two internal cerebral veins, which curves around the splenium of the corpus callosum and empties into, or is continued as, the straight sinus.

cerebral veins, inferior rather large superficial cerebral veins that ramify on the base and the inferolateral surface of the brain: those on the inferior surface of the frontal lobe drain into the inferior sagittal sinus and the cavernous sinus; those on the temporal lobe, into the superior petrosal sinus and the transverse sinus; those on the occipital lobe into the straight sinus.

cerebral veins, internal two veins that arise at the interventricular foramen by the union on the thalamostriate and the choroid veins; they pass backward through the tela choroidea, collecting blood from the basal nuclei, and unite at the splenium of the corpus callosum to form the great cerebral vein.

cerebral veins, superficial middle either of the two veins, one in each hemisphere, that drain the lateral surface of the cerebrum, follow the lateral cerebral fissure, and empty into the cavernous sinus; they are fed by the inferior and superior anastomotic veins.

cerebral veins, superior the 8 to 12 superficial cerebral veins (prefrontal, frontal, parietal, and occipital) that drain the superior, lateral, and medial surfaces of the cerebrum toward the longitudinal cerebral fissure, where they open into the superior sagittal sinus.

cervical vein, deep a vein that arises from a plexus in the suboccipital triangle, follows the deep cervical artery down the neck, and empties into the vertebral or the brachiocephalic vein.

cervical veins, transverse veins that follow the transverse artery of the neck and open into the subclavian vein.

choroid vein, inferior a vein that drains the inferior choroid plexus into the basal vein.

choroid vein, superior the vein that runs along the whole length of the choroid plexus, draining it and the hippocampus, fornix, and corpus callosum; it unites with the superior thalamostriate vein to form the internal cerebral vein.

ciliary veins veins that arise inside the eyeball by branches from the ciliary muscle and drain into the superior ophthalmic vein. The anterior ciliary veins follow the anterior ciliary arteries, and receive branches from the sinus venosus, sclerae, the episcleral veins, and the tunica conjunctiva bulbi. The posterior ciliary veins follow the posterior ciliary arteries and empty also into the inferior ophthalmic vein.

circumflex iliac vein, deep a common trunk formed from the venae comitantes of the homonymous artery and emptying into the external iliac vein.

circumflex iliac vein, superficial a vein that follows the homonymous artery and empties into the great saphenous vein.

vein of cochlear canaliculus vein of aqueduct of cochlea.

colic vein, left a vein that follows the left colic artery and opens into the inferior mesenteric vein.

colic vein, middle a vein that follows the distribution of the middle colic artery and empties into the superior mesenteric vein

colic vein, right a vein that follows the distribution of the right colic artery and empties into the superior mesenteric vein.

conjunctival veins small veins that drain blood from the conjunctiva to the superior ophthalmic vein.

coronary vein, left the portion of the great cardiac vein lying in the coronary sulcus; it receives blood from the anterior interventricular vein and empties into the coronary sinus.

coronary vein, right the portion of the middle cardiac vein that receives blood from the posterior interventricular vein and empties into the coronary sinus.

cubital vein, median the large connecting branch that arises from the cephalic vein below the elbow and passes obliquely upward over the cubital fossa to join the basilic vein

cutaneous vein one of the small veins that begin in the papillae of the skin, form subpapillary plexuses, and open into the subcutaneous veins.

cystic vein a small vein that returns the blood from the gallbladder to the right branch of the portal vein, within the substance of the liver.

deep veins of clitoris small veins of the clitoris that drain into the vesical venous plexus.

deep veins of penis veins that follow the distribution of the homonymous artery and empty into the dorsal vein of the penis.

digital veins, palmar the accompanying veins of the proper and common palmar digital arteries, which join the superficial palmar venous arch.

digital veins, plantar veins from the plantar surfaces of the toes which unite at the clefts to form the plantar metatarsal veins of the foot.

digital veins of foot, dorsal the veins on the dorsal surfaces of the toes that unite in pairs around each cleft to form the dorsal metatarsal veins.

diploic vein, anterior temporal a vein that drains the lateral portion of the frontal and the anterior part of the parietal bone, opening internally into the sphenoparietal sinus and externally into a deep temporal vein.

diploic vein, frontal a vein that drains the frontal bone, emptying externally into the supraorbital vein or internally into the superior sagittal sinus.

diploic vein, occipital the largest of the diploic veins, which drains blood from the occipital bone and empties into the occipital vein or the transverse sinus.

diploic vein, posterior temporal a vein that drains the parietal bone and empties into the transverse sinus.

dorsal vein of clitoris, deep a vein that follows the course of its homonymous artery and opens into the vesical plexus.

dorsal veins of clitoris, superficial veins that collect blood subcutaneously from the clitoris and drain into the external pudendal vein.

dorsal vein of corpus callosum a vein that drains the superior surface of the corpus callosum into the great cerebral vein.

dorsal vein of penis, deep a vein lying subfascially in the midline of the penis between the dorsal arteries; it begins in small veins around the corona glandis, is joined by the deep veins of the penis as it passes proximally, and passes between the arcuate pubic and transverse perineal ligaments where it divides into a left and right vein to join the prostatic plexus.

dorsal veins of penis, superficial veins that collect blood subcutaneously from the penis and drain into the external pudendal vein.

dorsal veins of tongue veins that unite with a small vena comitans of the lingual artery and join the main lingual trunk.

emissary vein one passing through a foramen of the skull and draining blood from a cerebral sinus into a vessel outside the skull.

emissary vein, condylar a small vein running through the condylar canal of the skull, connecting the sigmoid sinus with the vertebral or the internal jugular vein.

emissary vein, mastoid a small vein passing through the mastoid foramen of the skull and connecting the sigmoid sinus with the occipital or the posterior auricular vein.

emissary vein, occipital an occasional small vein running through a minute foramen in the occipital protuberance of the skull and connecting the confluence of the sinuses with the occipital vein.

emissary vein, parietal a small vein passing through the parietal foramen of the skull and connecting the superior sagittal sinus with the superficial temporal veins.

epigastric vein, inferior a vein that accompanies the inferior epigastric artery and opens into the external iliac vein.

epigastric vein, superficial a vein that follows its homonymous artery and opens into the great saphenous or the femoral vein.

epigastric veins, superior the venae comitantes of the superior epigastric artery, which open into the internal thoracic vein.

episcleral veins the veins that ring the cornea and drain into the vorticose and ciliary veins.

esophageal veins small veins that drain blood from the esophagus into the hemiazygos and azygos veins, or into the left brachiocephalic vein.

ethmoidal veins veins that follow the anterior and posterior ethmoidal arteries, emerge from the ethmoidal foramina, and empty into the superior ophthalmic vein.

facial vein the vein that begins at the medial angle of the eye as the angular vein, descends behind the facial artery, and usually ends in the internal jugular vein; this vessel sometimes joins the retromandibular vein to form a common trunk.

facial vein, deep a vein draining from the pterygoid plexus to the facial vein.

facial vein, posterior retromandibular vein.

facial vein, transverse a vein that passes backward with the transverse facial artery just below the zygomatic arch to join the retromandibular vein.

femoral vein a vein that lies in the proximal two-thirds of the thigh; it is a direct continuation of the popliteal vein, follows the course of the femoral artery, and at the inguinal ligament becomes the external iliac vein.

femoral vein, deep a vein that follows the distribution of the deep femoral artery and opens into the femoral vein.

fibular veins the accompanying veins of the fibular artery, emptying into the posterior tibial vein.

frontal veins

1. a group of superior cerebral veins, superficial cerebral veins that drain the cortex of the frontal lobe.

2. supratrochlear v's.

gastric vein, left the accompanying vein of the left gastric artery, emptying into the portal vein.

gastric vein, right the vena comitans of the right gastric artery, emptying into the portal vein.

gastric veins, short small vessels draining the left portion of the greater curvature of the stomach and emptying into the splenic vein.

gastroepiploic vein, left left gastroomental vein.

gastroepiploic vein, right right gastroomental vein.

gastroomental vein, left a vein that follows the distribution of its homonymous artery and empties into the splenic vein.

gastroomental vein, right a vein that follows the distribution of its homonymous artery and empties into the superior mesenteric vein.

genicular veins veins accompanying the genicular arteries and draining into the popliteal vein.

gluteal veins, inferior accompanying veins of the inferior gluteal artery; they drain the subcutaneous tissue of the back of the thigh and the muscles of the buttock, unite into a single vein after passing through the greater sciatic foramen, and empty into the internal iliac vein.

gluteal veins, superior accompanying veins of the superior gluteal artery; they drain the muscles of the buttock, pass through the greater sciatic foramen, and empty into the internal iliac vein.

hemiazygos vein an intercepting trunk for the lower left posterior intercostal veins; it arises from the ascending lumbar vein, passes up on the left side of the vertebrae to the eighth thoracic vertebra, where it may receive the accessory branch, and crosses over the vertebral column to open into the azygos vein.

hemiazygos vein, accessory the descending intercepting trunk for the upper, often the fourth through the eighth, left posterior intercostal veins. It lies on the left side and at the eighth thoracic vertebra joins the hemiazygos vein or crosses to the right side to join the azygos vein directly; above, it may communicate with the left superior intercostal vein.

hepatic veins several veins that receive blood from the central veins of the liver. The upper group usually consists of two or three large veins, and the lower group consists of six to twenty small veins; all form successively larger vessels (right, left, and middle hepatic veins) that ultimately open into the inferior vena cava on the posterior aspect of the liver.

ileal veins veins draining blood from the ileum into the superior mesenteric vein.

ileocolic vein a vein that follows the distribution of its homonymous artery and empties into the vena mesenterica superior.

iliac vein, common a vein that arises at the sacroiliac articulation by union of the external iliac and the internal iliac veins, and passes upward to the right side of the fifth lumbar vertebra where the two unite to form the inferior vena cava.

iliac vein, external the continuation of the femoral vein from the inguinal ligament to the sacroiliac articulation, where it joins with the internal iliac vein to form the common iliac vein.

iliac vein, internal a short trunk formed by union of parietal branches; it extends from the greater sciatic notch to the brim of the pelvis, where it joins the external iliac vein to form the common iliac vein.

iliolumbar vein a vein that follows the distribution of the iliolumbar artery and opens into the internal iliac or the common iliac vein, or it may divide to end in both.

inferior vein of vermis a vein that drains the inferior surface of the cerebellum; it runs backward on the inferior vermis to empty into the straight sinus or one of the sigmoid sinuses.

intercapitular veins of foot veins at the clefts of the toes which pass between the heads of the metatarsal bones and establish communication between the dorsal and the plantar venous system.

intercapitular veins of hand veins at the clefts of the finger which pass between the heads of the metacarpal bones and establish communication between the dorsal and the palmar venous system of the hand.

intercostal veins, anterior the twelve paired venae comitantes of the anterior thoracic arteries, which drain into the internal thoracic veins.

intercostal vein, highest the first posterior intercostal vein of either side, which passes over the apex of the lung and ends in the brachiocephalic, vertebral, or superior intercostal vein.

intercostal vein, left superior the common trunk formed by union of the second, third, and sometimes fourth posterior intercostal veins, which crosses the arch of the aorta and joins the left brachiocephalic vein.

intercostal veins, posterior the veins that accompany the corresponding intercostal arteries and drain the intercostal spaces posteriorly; the first ends in the brachiocephalic or the vertebral vein, the second and third join the superior intercostal vein, and the fourth to eleventh join the azygos vein on the right and the hemiazygos veins on the left.

intercostal vein, right superior a common trunk formed by union of the second, third, and sometimes fourth posterior intercostal veins, which drains into the azygos vein.

interlobar veins of kidney veins that drain the arcuate veins, pass down between the renal pyramids, and unite to form the renal vein.

interlobular veins of kidney veins that collect blood from the capillary network of the renal cortex and empty into the arcuate veins.

interlobular veins of liver the veins that arise as tributaries of the portal vein between the hepatic lobules.

interosseous veins, anterior the veins accompanying the anterior interosseous artery, which join the ulnar veins near the elbow.

interosseous veins, posterior the veins accompanying the posterior interosseous artery, which join the ulnar veins near the elbow.

interventricular vein, anterior the portion of the great cardiac vein ascending in the anterior interventricular sulcus and emptying into the left coronary vein.

interventricular vein, posterior middle cardiac v.

intervertebral vein any one of the veins that drain the vertebral plexuses, passing out through the intervertebral foramina and emptying into the regional veins: in the neck, into the vertebral; in the thorax, the intercostal; in the abdomen, the lumbar; and in the pelvis, the lateral sacral veins.

jejunal veins veins draining blood from the jejunum into the superior mesenteric vein.

jugular vein, anterior a vein that arises under the chin, passes down the neck, and opens into the external jugular or the subclavian vein or into the jugular venous arch.

jugular vein, external the vein that begins in the parotid gland behind the angle of the jaw by union of the retromandibular and the posterior auricular vein, passes down the neck, and opens into the subclavian, the internal jugular, or the brachiocephalic vein.

jugular vein, internal the vein that begins as the superior bulb in the jugular fossa, draining much of the head and neck; it descends with first the internal carotid and then the common carotid artery in the neck, and joins with the subclavian vein to form the brachiocephalic vein.

labial veins, anterior veins that collect blood from the anterior aspect of the labia and drain into the external pudendal vein; they are homologues of the anterior scrotal veins in the male.

labial veins, inferior veins that drain the region of the lower lip into the facial vein.

labial veins, posterior small branches from the labia which open into the vesical venous plexus; they are homologues of the posterior scrotal veins in the male.

labial vein, superior the vein that drains blood from the region of the upper lip into the facial vein.

labyrinthine veins several small veins that pass through the internal acoustic meatus from the cochlea into the inferior petrosal or the transverse sinus.

lacrimal vein the vein that drains blood from the lacrimal gland into the superior ophthalmic vein.

laryngeal vein, inferior a vein draining blood from the larynx into the inferior thyroid vein.

laryngeal vein, superior a vein that drains blood from the larynx into the superior thyroid vein.

lateral direct veins veins of the lateral ventricle, draining into the great cerebral vein.

vein of lateral ventricle, lateral a vein passing through the lateral wall of the lateral ventricle to drain the temporal and parietal lobes into the superior thalamostriate vein.

vein of lateral ventricle, medial a vein passing through the medial wall of the lateral ventricle to drain the parietal and occipital lobes into the internal cerebral or great cerebral vein.

lingual vein the deep vein that follows the distribution of the lingual artery and empties into the internal jugular vein.

lingual vein, deep a vein that drains blood from the deep aspect of the tongue and joins the sublingual vein to form the vena comitans of the hypoglossal nerve.

lingual veins, dorsal veins that unite with a small vena comitans of the lingual artery and join the main lingual trunk.

lumbar veins the veins, four or five on each side, that accompany the corresponding lumbar arteries and drain the posterior wall of the abdomen, vertebral canal, spinal cord, and meninges; the first four usually end in the inferior vena cava, although the first may end in the ascending lumbar vein; the fifth is a tributary of the iliolumbar or of the common iliac vein; and all are generally united by the ascending iliac vein.

lumbar vein, ascending an ascending intercepting vein for the lumbar veins of either side; it begins in the lateral sacral veins and passes up the spine to the first lumbar vertebra, where by union with the subcostal vein it becomes on the right side the azygos vein, and on the left side, the hemiazygos vein.

marginal vein, right a vein ascending along the right margin of the heart, draining adjacent parts of the right ventricle and opening into the right atrium or anterior cardiac veins.

maxillary veins veins from the pterygoid plexus, usually forming a single short trunk, passing back and uniting with the superficial temporal vein in the parotid gland to form the retromandibular vein.

mediastinal veins numerous small branches that drain blood from the anterior mediastinum into the brachiocephalic vein, azygos vein, or the superior vena cava.

veins of medulla oblongata the veins that drain the medulla oblongata, which empty into the veins of the spinal cord, the adjacent dural venous sinuses, or along the last four cranial nerves to the inferior petrosal sinus or superior bulb of the jugular vein.

meningeal veins the venae comitantes of the meningeal arteries, which drain the dura mater, communicate with the lateral lacunae, and empty into the regional sinuses and veins.

meningeal veins, middle the venae comitantes of the middle meningeal artery, which end in the pterygoid venous plexus.

mesenteric vein, inferior a vein that follows the distribution of its homonymous artery and empties into the splenic vein.

mesenteric vein, superior a vein that follows the distribution of its homonymous artery and joins with the splenic vein to form the hepatic portal vein.

metacarpal veins, dorsal veins that arise from the union of dorsal veins of adjacent fingers and pass proximally to join in forming the dorsal venous rete of the hand.

metacarpal veins, palmar the venae comitantes of the palmar metacarpal arteries, which open into the deep palmar venous arch.

metatarsal veins, dorsal veins that are formed by the dorsal digital veins of the toes at the clefts of the toes, joining the dorsal venous arch.

metatarsal veins, plantar deep veins of the foot that arise from the plantar digital veins at the clefts of the toes and pass back to open into the plantar venous arch.

musculophrenic veins the venae comitantes of the musculophrenic artery, draining blood from parts of the diaphragm and from the wall of the thorax and abdomen.

nasal veins, external small ascending branches from the nose that open into the angular and facial veins.

nasofrontal vein a vein that begins at the supraorbital vein, enters the orbit, and joins the superior ophthalmic vein.

oblique vein of left atrium a small vein from the left atrium that opens into the coronary sinus.

obturator veins veins that drain the hip joint and the regional muscles, enter the pelvis through the obturator canal, and empty into the internal iliac or the inferior epigastric vein, or both.

occipital vein a vein in the scalp that follows the distribution of the occipital artery and opens under the trapezius muscle into the suboccipital venous plexus; it may continue with the occipital artery and end in the internal jugular vein.

ophthalmic vein, inferior a vein formed by confluence of muscular and ciliary branches, and running backward either to join the superior ophthalmic vein or to open directly into the cavernous sinus; it sends a communicating branch through the inferior orbital fissure to join the pterygoid venous plexus.

ophthalmic vein, superior the vein that begins at the medial angle of the eyelid, where it communicates with the frontal, supraorbital, and angular veins; it follows the distribution of the ophthalmic artery, and may be joined by the inferior ophthalmic vein at the superior orbital fissure before opening into the cavernous sinus.

veins of orbit the veins that drain the orbit and its structures, including the superior ophthalmic vein and its tributaries and the inferior ophthalmic vein.

ovarian vein, left a vein that drains the left pampiniform plexus of the broad ligament and empties into the left renal vein.

ovarian vein, right a vein that drains the right pampiniform plexus of the broad ligament and empties into the inferior vena cava.

palatine vein, external the vein that drains blood from the tonsils and the soft palate into the facial vein.

palpebral veins small branches from the eyelids that open into the superior ophthalmic vein.

palpebral veins, inferior branches that drain the blood from the lower eyelid into the facial vein.

palpebral veins, superior branches that drain the blood from the upper eyelid to the angular vein.

pancreatic veins numerous branches from the pancreas which open into the splenic and the superior mesenteric veins.

pancreaticoduodenal veins four veins that drain blood from the pancreas and duodenum, closely following the homonymous arteries. A superior and an inferior vein originate from both an anterior and a posterior venous arcade. The anterior superior vein joins the right gastroomental vein; the posterior superior vein joins the portal vein. The anterior and posterior inferior veins join, sometimes as one trunk and other times joining the uppermost jejunal vein or the superior mesenteric vein.

paraumbilical veins veins that communicate with the portal vein and anastomose with the superior and inferior epigastric and the superior vesical veins in the region of the umbilicus. They form a part of the collateral circulation of the portal vein in the event of hepatic obstruction.

parotid veins small veins from the parotid gland that open into the superficial temporal vein.

perforating veins

1. veins that accompany the perforating arteries and connect superficial and deep veins, establishing an anastomosis between the deep femoral vein and the popliteal vein below and the inferior gluteal vein above.

2. an inconstant group of veins seen as tributaries of the great saphenous vein, anastomosing between it and other veins of the lower leg.

pericardiacophrenic veins small veins that drain blood from the pericardium and diaphragm into the left brachiocephalic vein.

pericardial veins numerous small branches that drain blood from the pericardium into the brachiocephalic, inferior thyroid and azygos veins, and the superior vena cava.

peroneal veins fibular v's.

pharyngeal veins veins that drain the pharyngeal plexus and empty into the internal jugular vein.

phrenic veins, inferior veins that follow the homonymous arteries, the one on the right entering the inferior vena cava, and the one on the left entering the left suprarenal or renal vein or the inferior vena cava.

veins of pons the veins that drain the pons, which empty into the basal vein, cerebellar veins, petrosal or venous sinuses, or venous plexus of the foramen ovale.

popliteal vein a vein following the popliteal artery, and formed by union of the venae comitantes of the anterior and posterior tibial arteries; at the adductor hiatus it becomes continuous with the femoral vein.

portal vein a short thick trunk formed by union of the superior mesenteric and the splenic veins behind the neck of the pancreas; it passes upward to the right end of the porta hepatis, where it divides into successively smaller branches, following the branches of the hepatic artery, until it forms a capillary-like system of sinusoids that permeates the entire substance of the liver.

postcardinal veins paired vessels in the early embryo caudal to the heart.

posterior vein of corpus callosum a vein that drains the posterior surface of the corpus callosum into the great cerebral vein.

posterior vein of left ventricle the vein that drains blood from the posterior surface of the left ventricle into the coronary sinus.

posterior vein of septum pellucidum a vein that drains the posterior septum pellucidum into the superior thalamostriate vein.

precardinal veins paired venous trunks in the embryo cranial to the heart.

prepyloric vein a vein that accompanies the prepyloric artery, passing upward over the anterior surface of the junction between the pylorus and the duodenum and emptying into the right gastric vein.

vein of pterygoid canal one of the veins that pass through the pterygoid canal and empty into the pterygoid plexus.

pudendal veins, external veins that follow the distribution of the external pudendal artery and open into the great saphenous vein.

pudendal vein, internal a vein that follows the course of the internal pudendal artery, and drains into the internal iliac vein.

pulmonary vein, left inferior the vein that returns blood from the lower lobe of the left lung (from the superior apical branch and the common basal vein) to the left atrium of the heart.

pulmonary vein, left superior the vein that returns blood from the upper lobe of the left lung (from the apicoposterior, anterior, and lingular branches) to the left atrium of the heart.

pulmonary vein, right inferior the vein that returns blood from the lower lobe of the right lung (from the superior [apical] branch and from the common, superior, and inferior basal veins) to the left atrium of the heart.

pulmonary vein, right superior the vein that returns blood from the upper and middle lobes of the right lung (from the superior [apical], anterior, and posterior branches and the middle lobar branch) to the left atrium of the heart.

pulp veins vessels draining the venous sinuses of the spleen.

pyloric vein right gastric v.

radial veins the venae comitantes of the radial artery, which open into the brachial veins.

rectal veins, middle veins that drain the rectal plexus and empty into the internal iliac and superior rectal veins.

rectal vein, superior the vein that drains the upper part of the rectal plexus into the inferior mesenteric vein and thus establishes connection between the portal system and the systemic circulation.

retromandibular vein the vein that is formed in the upper part of the parotid gland behind the neck of the mandible by union of the maxillary and superficial temporal veins; it passes downward through the gland, communicates with the facial vein, and emerging from the gland joins with the posterior auricular vein to form the external jugular vein.

sacral veins, lateral veins that follow the homonymous arteries, help to form the lateral sacral plexus, and empty into the internal iliac vein or the superior gluteal veins.

sacral vein, median a vein that follows the middle sacral artery and opens into the common iliac vein.

saphenous vein, accessory a vein that, when present, drains the medial and posterior superficial parts of the thigh and opens into the great saphenous vein.

saphenous vein, great the longest vein in the body, extending from the dorsum of the foot to just below the inguinal ligament, where it opens into the femoral vein.

saphenous vein, small the vein that continues the marginal vein from behind the malleolus and passes up the back of the leg to the knee joint, where it opens into the popliteal vein.

scleral veins tributaries of the anterior ciliary veins that drain the sclera.

scrotal veins, anterior veins that collect blood from the anterior aspect of the scrotum and drain into the external pudendal vein.

scrotal veins, posterior small branches from the scrotum that open into the vesical venous plexus.

sigmoid veins veins from the sigmoid colon that empty into the inferior mesenteric vein.

spinal veins, anterior a group of longitudinal veins forming a plexus on the dorsal surface of the spinal cord, comprising a median vein lying anterior to the anterior median fissure and two anterolateral veins lying slightly posterior to the ventral nerve roots; they drain the anterior spinal cord.

spinal veins, posterior a group of longitudinal, usually discontinuous, veins forming a plexus on the posterior surface of the spinal cord, comprising a median vein lying behind the posterior median septum and two posterolateral veins lying posterior to the dorsal nerve roots; they drain the posterior spinal cord.

spiral vein of modiolus a small vein in the spiral modiolus, a tributary of the labyrinthine veins.

splenic vein the vein formed by union of several branches at the hilum of the spleen, passing from left to right to the neck of the pancreas, where it joins the superior mesenteric vein to form the portal vein.

stellate veins of kidney veins on the surface of the kidney that collect blood from the superficial parts of the renal cortex and empty into the interlobular veins.

sternocleidomastoid vein a vein that follows the course of the homonymous artery and opens into the internal jugular vein.

stylomastoid vein a vein following the stylomastoid artery and emptying into the retromandibular vein.

subcardinal veins paired vessels in the embryo, replacing the postcardinal veins and persisting to some degree as definitive vessels.

subclavian vein the vein that continues the axillary as the main venous stem of the upper member, follows the subclavian artery, and joins with the internal jugular vein to form the brachiocephalic vein.

subcostal vein the vena comitans of the subcostal artery on the left or right side; it joins the ascending lumbar vein to form the azygos vein on the right or the hemiazygos vein on the left.

subcutaneous veins of abdomen the superficial veins of the abdominal wall.

sublingual vein a vein that follows the sublingual artery and opens into the lingual vein.

sublobular veins tributaries of the hepatic veins that receive the central veins of hepatic lobules.

submental vein a vein that follows the submental artery and opens into the facial vein.

supracardinal veins paired vessels in the embryo, developing later than the subcardinal veins and persisting chiefly as the lower segment of the inferior vena cava.

supraorbital vein the vein that passes down the forehead lateral to the supratrochlear vein, joining it at the root of the nose to form the angular vein.

suprarenal vein, left the vein that returns blood from the left suprarenal gland to the left renal vein.

suprarenal vein, right a vein that drains the right suprarenal gland into the inferior vena cava.

suprascapular vein the vein that accompanies the homonymous artery (sometimes as two veins that unite), opening usually into the external jugular, or occasionally into the subclavian vein.

supratrochlear veins two veins, each beginning in a venous plexus high up on the forehead and descending to the root of the nose, where it joins with the supraorbital to form the angular vein.

sural veins veins that ascend with the sural arteries and drain blood from the calf into the popliteal vein.

temporal veins, deep veins that drain the deep portions of the temporal muscle and empty into the pterygoid plexus.

temporal vein, middle the vein that arises in the substance of the temporal muscle and passes down under the fascia to the zygoma, where it breaks through to join the superficial temporal vein.

temporal veins, superficial veins that drain the lateral part of the scalp in the frontal and parietal regions, the tributaries forming a single superficial temporal vein in front of the ear, just above the zygoma. This descending vein receives the middle temporal and transverse facial veins and, entering the parotid gland, unites with the maxillary vein deep to the neck of the mandible to form the retromandibular vein.

testicular vein, left a vein that drains the left pampiniform plexus and empties into the left renal vein.

testicular vein, right a vein that drains the right pampiniform plexus and empties into the inferior vena cava.

thalamostriate veins, inferior veins that pass through the anterior perforate substance and join the deep middle cerebral and anterior cerebral veins to form the basal vein.

thalamostriate vein, superior a vein that collects blood from the corpus striatum and thalamus, and joins with the choroid vein to form the internal cerebral vein.

thoracic veins, internal two veins formed by junction of the accompanying veins of the internal thoracic artery of either side; each continues along the artery to open into the brachiocephalic vein.

thoracic vein, lateral a large vein accompanying the lateral thoracic artery and draining into the axillary vein.

thoracoacromial vein the vein that follows the homonymous artery and opens into the subclavian vein.

thoracoepigastric veins long, longitudinal, superficial veins in the anterolateral subcutaneous tissue of the torso, which empty superiorly into the lateral thoracic and inferiorly into the femoral vein.

thymic veins small branches from the thymus gland that open into the left brachiocephalic vein.

thyroid vein, inferior either of two veins, left and right, that drain the thyroid plexus into the left and right brachiocephalic veins; occasionally they may unite into a common trunk to empty, usually, into the left brachiocephalic vein.

thyroid veins, middle veins that drain blood from the thyroid gland into the internal jugular vein.

thyroid vein, superior a vein arising from the upper part of the thyroid gland on either side, opening into the internal jugular vein, occasionally in common with the facial vein.

tibial veins, anterior accompanying veins of the anterior tibial artery, which unite with the posterior tibial veins to form the fibular vein.

tibial veins, posterior accompanying veins of the posterior tibial artery, which unite with the anterior tibial veins to form the fibular vein.

tracheal veins small branches that drain blood from the trachea into the brachiocephalic vein.

tympanic veins small veins from the tympanic cavity that pass through the petrotympanic fissure, open into the plexus around the temporomandibular articulation, and finally drain into the retromandibular vein.

ulnar veins the accompanying veins of the ulnar artery, which unite with the radial veins at the elbow to form the brachial veins.

umbilical vein the vein formed by fusion of the atrophied right umbilical vein with the left umbilical vein, the two veins that carry blood from the chorion to the sinus venosus and heart in the early embryo; it carries all the blood from the placenta to the ductus venosus.

vein of uncus a vein that drains the uncus into the ipsilateral inferior cerebral vein.

uterine veins veins that drain the uterine plexus into the internal iliac veins.

varicose vein a dilated, tortuous vein, usually in the subcutaneous tissues of the leg; incompetency of the venous valve is associated.

ventricular vein, inferior a vein that drains the temporal lobe into the basal vein.

vertebral vein, anterior a small vein accompanying the ascending cervical artery; it arises in a venous plexus adjacent to the more cranial cervical transverse processes, and descends to end in the vertebral vein.

vitelline veins veins that return the blood from the yolk sac to the primitive heart of the early embryo.

vorticose veins four veins that pierce the sclera and carry blood from the choroid to the superior ophthalmic vein.

vein

(vān)

n.

1.

a. Anatomy Any of the membranous tubes that form a branching system and carry blood to the heart from the cells, tissues, and organs of the body.

b. A blood vessel of any kind; a vein or artery: felt the blood pounding in her veins.

c. Something that looks like a blood vessel, such as the hindgut of a shrimp.

2. Zoology One of the thickened cuticular ribs that form the supporting network of the wing of an insect and that often carry hemolymph. Also called nervure.

tr.v.veined, veining, veins

To supply or fill with veins.

vein′al adj.

vein (v)

[vān]

Etymology: L, vena

any one of the many vessels that convey blood from the capillaries as part of the pulmonary venous system, the systemic venous network, or the portal venous complex. Most of the veins of the body are systemic veins that convey blood from the whole body (except the lungs) to the right atrium of the heart. Each vein is a macroscopic structure enclosed in three layers of different kinds of tissue homologous with the layers of the heart. The outer tunica adventitia of each vein is homologous with the epicardium, the tunica media with the myocardium, and the tunica intima with the endocardium. Deep veins course through the more internal parts of the body, and superficial veins lie near the surface, where many of them are visible through the skin. Veins have thinner coatings and are less elastic than arteries and collapse when cut. They also contain semilunar valves at various intervals to control the direction of the blood flow back to the heart. Compare artery. See also portal vein,pulmonary vein,systemic vein. venous,adj.

vein

vein

(van) [L. vena, vein]

SYSTEMIC VEINS

SYSTEMIC VEINS

A vessel carrying blood toward the heart. Most veins originate in capillaries and drain into increasingly larger veins until their blood is delivered to the right atrium of the heart. Portal veins also originate in capillaries, but their branches decrease in size to pass through another set of capillaries before joining more typical veins on their way toward the heart. For all veins, the precursor veins that empty into a secondary vein are called tributaries of the secondary vein. See: illustration; circulation; vena

The deep veins typically accompany arteries, and artery and vein have the same name, e.g., radial artery and radial vein. In contrast, the superficial or subcutaneous veins typically travel alone. The deep and superficial veins have frequent interconnections, i.e., anastomoses; in general, veins have more anastomoses than do arteries. Throughout the body, the pattern of veins is more variable than is the pattern of arteries.

The walls of most veins have three layers: an endothelial lining, which folds at intervals into leaflets that act as one-way valves, a thin middle layer often containing smooth muscle, and a thin outer layer composed of fibrous connective tissue. In contrast, the veins of the brain have no valves, and the largest venous channels in the brain are not veins but rather endothelial-lined spaces in the dura mater called 'dural sinuses' or 'venous sinuses'; dural sinuses receive blood from cerebral veins and deliver blood to other dural sinuses or to the internal jugular vein.

accessory hemiazygos vein

A vein running along the back wall of the upper thorax to the left of the thoracic aorta; at the level of the seventh thoracic vertebra, the accessory hemiazygos vein bends rightward, runs behind the aorta, and drains into the azygos vein. Tributaries of the accessory hemiazygos vein include the left superior intercostal veins, the upper left intercostal veins, and left bronchial veins. The patterns and interconnections of the azygos, hemiazygos, and accessory azygos veins are variable.

adrenal vein

The adrenal glands are supplied by three or more arteries on each side, but they are drained by only one right vein and one left vein. On the right, the adrenal vein empties into the inferior vena cava; on the left, the adrenal vein empties into the left renal vein. Synonym: suprarenal vein

angular vein

anterior cardiac vein

anterior facial vein

anterior jugular vein

A neck vein that originates near the hyoid bone and descends vertically over the hyoid and infrahyoid strap muscles; behind the sternal head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the vein turns laterally and empties into the external jugular vein (or, sometimes, into the subclavian vein).

anterior tibial vein

A vein that drains blood from the lower leg and foot and that merges with the posterior tibial vein to form the popliteal vein in the popliteal fossa.

See: illustration for illus.

ascending lumbar vein

An anterior-posterior vein along the posterior abdominal wall that connects the common iliac, iliolumbar, and lumbar veins; it empties into the subcostal, azygos, hemiazygos, or first lumbar vein.

axillary vein

The continuation of the basilic vein in the upper arm; it accompanies the axillary artery and becomes the subclavian vein at the lateral border of the first rib. Tributaries of the axillary vein include the brachial, the cephalic, and the subscapular veins.

See: illustration for illlus.

azygos vein

A vein running along the back wall of the thorax on the right side of the thoracic aorta; at the level of the fourth thoracic vertebra, the azygos vein curves forward, over the top of the hilum (root) of the right lung, and empties its blood into the superior vena cava. The azygos vein receives blood from the back wall of the trunk via the hemiazygos, accessory azygos, right superior intercostal, right intercostal, mediastinal, pericardial, right subcostal, and right ascending lumbar veins. The patterns and interconnections of the azygos, hemiazygos, and accessory azygos veins are variable.

basal vein

A vein along the base of the brain that runs from the cavernous sinus, around the cerebral peduncle, and into the vein of Galen. Tributaries of the basal vein include the anterior cerebral, deep middle cerebral, and striate veins.

basilic vein

A superficial vein running along the lateral side of the upper limb. It begins in the dorsal veins of the hand, continues along the dorsal (posterior) medial side of the anterior forearm where it angles medially, and then passes over ventral (anterior) medial side of the elbow; in the antecubital fossa, it is joined by the median cubital vein, a branch of the cephalic vein. Approx. one third of the way up the medial surface of the arm, the basilic vein dives, alongside the medial edge of the biceps brachii muscle, to run alongside the brachial artery; when the brachial artery becomes the axillary artery, the basilic vein becomes the axillary vein. It is usually chosen for intravenous injection or withdrawal of blood.

brachial veins

Either of a pair of veins that accompany the brachial artery into the upper arm (as venae comitantes) and then empty into the axillary vein.

brachiocephalic vein

The brachiocephalic vein is formed by the merger of the subclavian and internal jugular veins in the root of the neck. The right brachiocephalic vein is about 2.5 cm long and the left is about 6 cm long. The right and the left brachiocephalic veins join, behind the junction of the right border of the sternum and the right first costal cartilage, to form the superior vena cava. Tributaries of both brachiocephalic veins include the vertebral, internal mammary, and inferior thyroid veins; the left brachiocephalic vein also receives the left superior intercostal, thymic, and pericardial veins.

See: illustration for illus.

bronchial vein

Two right and two left bronchial veins collect systemic (deoxygenated) blood from the bronchi and other lung tissues and return it to the systemic venous pool via the azygos vein on the right and the accessory hemiazygos vein on the left.

cardiac vein

Any of the veins that run along the surface of the heart parallel to the coronary arteries, drain the heart muscle, and empty into the coronary sinus or the right atrium.

cardinal vein

Along with the umbilical and the vitelline veins, the cardinal veins form one of the three venous systems of the early embryo. The cardinal veins return blood to the heart from the body of the embryo, and they are the precursors of the major thoracic veins, including the subclavian, brachiocephalic, azygos, internal jugular veins, and the superior vena cava.

central vein

The vein that accompanies the central artery inside the optic nerve.

cephalic vein

A superficial vein of the upper limb, it forms over the "anatomical snuff box", behind the base of the thumb, and runs medially onto the anterior (ventral) surface of the forearm. It runs up the lateral side of the anterior (ventral) surface of the forearm, it crosses in front of the elbow, and continues up the arm along the biceps brachii and deltoid muscles. Below the clavicle, the cephalic vein dives into the intraclavicular fossa to empty into the axillary vein. In the antecubital fossa, a large branch, the median cubital vein, runs laterally and joins the basilic vein.

cerebellar vein

The superior or the inferior cerebellar vein, both of which run along the surface of the cerebellum; both veins drain blood from the cerebellum, emptying the blood into nearby dural sinuses.

cerebral vein

Any of the veins draining the brain. Cerebral veins differ from veins outside the skull in that (1) cerebral veins do not run with cerebral arteries; (2) cerebral veins do not have valves; and (3) walls of cerebral veins contain no muscle.

The venous circulation of the brain begins with venules that run from inside the brain to the surface where they bend 90° and run along the surface inside the pia mater. Anastomosing venous plexuses collect in the pia to form the cerebral veins, which eventually cross the subarachnoid space and empty into dural sinuses. The dural sinuses interconnect and eventually empty into the internal jugular veins.

choroidal vein

The vein that follows and drains the choroid plexuses in the cerebral ventricles. Outside the ventricles, it merges with the thalamostriate vein to form the internal cerebral vein.

circumflex iliac vein

The vein accompanying the circumflex iliac artery; it empties into the external iliac vein.

Synonym: deep circumflex iliac vein

common iliac vein

The vein accompanying the common iliac artery; it is formed by the union of the external and internal iliac veins, and it ends by merging with the opposite common iliac vein to form the inferior vena cava. The right iliac vein is shorter than the left. Tributaries of the common iliac vein include the iliolumbar, lateral sacral, and median sacral veins.

cranial venous sinus vein

Any of a group of veins between the two layers of the dura mater that drain blood and reabsorbed cerebrospinal fluid from the brain and join the internal jugular vein.

cubital vein

deep circumflex iliac vein

diploic vein

Any of the valveless, thin-walled veins that drain the bones of the skull.

dorsal vein of the penis

The superficial or the deep dorsal vein of the penis, each of which is an unpaired (single) midline vein. The superficial dorsal vein empties into the external pudendal vein; the deep dorsal vein drains the erectile tissues and empties into the internal pudendal vein.

emissary vein

Any of the small veins that run through foramina and other apertures in the skull. Emissary veins are valveless and allow the spread of microbes between the outside and inside of the skull. The emissary veins vary from person to person.

epigastric vein

The superior or the inferior epigastric vein.

external iliac vein

The continuation of the femoral vein proximal to the inguinal ligament; it accompanies the external iliac artery, and it joins the internal iliac vein to form the common iliac vein. Tributaries of the external iliac vein include the inferior epigastric, deep circumflex iliac, and pubic veins.

external jugular vein

A vein that drains blood from the scalp and face; it arises from the merger of the posterior facial and posterior auricular veins behind the angle of the mandible. The external jugular vein runs superficially down the neck, crossing the sternocleidomastoid muscle, to drain into the subclavian vein. Tributaries of the external jugular vein include the posterior external jugular, transverse cervical, suprascapular, and anterior jugular veins.

See: illustrationand for illus.

facial vein

The facial vein runs at an angle, on each side of the face, from the bridge of the nose to halfway along the line of the jaw. The first tributaries of the facial vein include the supratrochlear, supraorbital, and superior ophthalmic veins (which drain the forehead and orbit); other tributaries include the nasal, deep facial, inferior palpebral, superior and inferior labial, buccinator, parotid, and masseteric veins. Below the jaw and before emptying into the internal jugular vein (at the level of the hyoid bone in the neck), the facial vein receives blood from the submental, tonsillar, external palatine, and submandibular veins. There are no valves in the facial vein, and blood can move backwards into its tributaries, such as the deep facial vein; the deep facial vein is interconnected with the cavernous sinus inside the skull, and microbes from facial infections can use this route to reach intracranial veins.

Synonym: angular vein; anterior facial vein

femoral vein

The vein that accompanies the femoral artery. The femoral vein is the continuation of the popliteal vein as it enters the adductor canal of the thigh. As it passes the inguinal ligament, the femoral vein becomes the external iliac vein. Tributaries of the femoral vein include the deep femoral (profunda femoris), the saphenous, and the lateral and medial circumflex femoral veins.

vein of Galen

gastric vein

The left gastric, the right gastric, or a short gastric vein. The left gastric vein drains much of the stomach and empties into the portal vein; tributaries of the left gastric vein include the esophageal veins. The right gastric vein is small, it drains the pyloric region of the stomach, and it empties into the portal vein. The 4-5 short gastric veins drain part of the greater curvature of the stomach and empty into the splenic vein.

gastroepiploic vein

The right and the left gastroepiploic veins accompany the gastroepiploic arteries; the right gastroepiploic vein drains into the splenic vein, while the left gastroepiploic vein drains into the superior mesenteric vein.

great cardiac vein

A large vein on the anterior surface of the heart; it runs in the anterior interventricular groove alongside the left anterior descending artery. It drains the same area of the heart that is supplied by the artery, and it also receives blood from the left marginal vein. The great cardiac vein follows the coronary sulcus to the left to empty into the coronary sinus on the posterior surface of the heart.

great cerebral vein

great saphenous vein

greater saphenous vein

hemiazygos vein

A vein running along the back wall of the lower thorax on the left side of the thoracic aorta. At the level of the eighth thoracic vertebra, the hemiazygos vein bends to the right, runs behind the aorta, and empties into the azygos vein. Tributaries to the hemiazygos vein include the left bronchial, left lower intercostal, left subcostal, and left ascending lumbar veins; often, there is a caudal anastomosis with the left renal vein. The patterns and interconnections of the azygos, hemiazygos, and accessory azygos veins are variable.

hemorrhoidal vein

hepatic vein

Any of the veins that drain the liver sinusoids into the inferior vena cava on the posterior surface of the liver. Inside the liver, central veins directly drain the sinusoids, the central veins then join into interlobular veins, and the interlobular veins merge to become hepatic veins. All the venous blood that enters the liver from both the portal vein and the hepatic artery leaves the liver through the hepatic veins.

inferior epigastric vein

The vein accompanying the inferior epigastric artery; it empties into the external iliac vein.

inferior mesenteric vein

The vein that accompanies the inferior mesenteric artery; it drains the rectum and the sigmoid and descending colon, and it empties into the splenic vein.

inferior phrenic vein

Any of the veins that accompany the inferior phrenic artery and empty into the inferior vena cava and, on the left, into the adrenal vein.

inferior striated vein

One of the branches of the basal vein that drain the corpus striatum.

inferior thyroid vein

A vein draining the venous plexus of the thyroid gland, the trachea, the larynx, and the local esophagus. The inferior thyroid vein empties into the brachiocephalic vein or the superior vena cava.

innominate vein

intercostal vein

Any of the veins that accompany the intercostal arteries and drain blood from the walls of the chest. The upper intercostal vein empties into the ipsilateral brachiocephalic or vertebral vein. Intercostal veins 2-4 merge to form the superior intercostal vein, which drains into the azygos vein on the right and the accessory hemiazygos vein on the left. Lower intercostal veins drain directly into the azygos vein on the right and the hemiazygos vein on the left.

Synonym: posterior intercostal vein

internal cerebral vein

A vein in each cerebral hemisphere formed by the merger of the thalamostriate and choroid veins; it drains the deep regions of the hemisphere.

internal iliac vein

The vein that accompanies the internal iliac artery; it merges with the external iliac vein to form the common iliac vein. Tributaries of the internal iliac vein include the gluteal, internal pudendal, obturator, lateral sacral, anterior sacral, middle rectal, vesical, uterine, and vaginal veins.

internal jugular vein

A large vein in the neck, it drains the skull, brain, and parts of the face and neck. It originates in the jugular foramen at the base of the skull and descends vertically (behind the sternocleidomastoid muscle) in the carotid sheath. At its base, the internal jugular vein merges with the subclavian vein behind the clavicle to form the brachiocephalic vein.

The internal jugular vein is forms in the base of the skull by the merger of the inferior petrosal and sigmoid sinuses. As the vein descends through the neck, tributary veins include the facial, lingual, pharyngeal, superior thyroid, and middle thyroid veins.

The right internal jugular vein is often the blood vessel used for medical access to the central venous circulation and to the right side of the heart.

internal mammary vein

The vein accompanying the internal mammary artery.

Synonym: mammary vein

internal thoracic vein

Internal mammary vein.

jugular vein

The internal or the external jugular vein.

Labbé vein

lesser saphenous vein

lingual vein

The dorsal or the deep lingual vein, both of which empty into the internal jugular vein.

long saphenous vein

The longest vein in the body, the long saphenous is the major superficial vein of the lower leg. It begins in the venous plexus along the medial side of the foot, and it runs up the medial side of the leg and knee, alongside the saphenous nerve. In the thigh, the long saphenous vein continues up the medial surface, accompanying the medial femoral cutaneous nerve. Before reaching the inguinal ligament, the long saphenous vein slips under the deep fascia of the thigh through a tunnel called the saphenous opening; the vein then empties into the underlying femoral vein. Tributaries of the long saphenous vein include the posterior tibial, posteromedial thigh, anterolateral thigh, superficial epigastric, superficial circumflex iliac, and external pudendal veins.

Synonym: great saphenous vein; greater saphenous vein

lumbar vein

Any of the four veins on each side of the body that run transversely and drain the posterior abdominal wall; they accompany the lumbar arteries. The lumbar veins, which are interconnected with each other and with the epigastric veins, empty into the inferior vena cava or the azygos vein.

mammary vein

maxillary vein

A short vein that runs with the first segment of the maxillary artery. It is the merger of veins from the pterygoid venous plexus, and it joins the superior temporal vein, inside the parotid gland, to form the posterior facial vein.

median cubital vein

A large superficial vein running from lateral to medial across the antecubital fossa to connect the cephalic vein with the basilic vein. The median cubital vein is a common site for blood drawing. Synonym: cubital vein

median vein of the forearm

The median vein begins in the palmar venous plexuses and then runs up the forearm along the anterior (ventral) surface to the antecubital fossa where it joins the basilic vein or the median cubital vein.

meningeal vein

Any of the veins that drain the dura mater; most meningeal veins empty into the superior sagittal sinus.

mesenteric vein

The inferior or the superior mesenteric vein.

middle cardiac vein

A large vein that runs in the posterior interventricular groove of the heart; it accompanies the posterior interventricular artery, and both vein and artery drain the same territory. The middle cardiac vein empties into the coronary sinus.

middle thyroid vein

A vein draining the lower part of the thyroid gland, the larynx, and the trachea; it empties into the internal jugular vein.

oblique vein

A slender vein that runs along the outer surface of the left atrium of the heart and that drains into the coronary sinus.

Synonym: oblique vein of the left atrium

oblique vein of the left atrium

obturator vein

The vein that accompanies the obturator artery; it empties into the internal iliac vein.

occipital vein

The merger of a network of veins along the posterior scalp into a single vein, the occipital vein, which runs down the scalp and under the trapezius muscle. The occipital vein empties into some or all of these veins: the deep cervical, the vertebral, and the posterior auricular veins.

ophthalmic vein

The superior or the inferior ophthalmic vein. The superior ophthalmic vein drains the upper portion of the orbit, while the inferior ophthalmic vein drains the lower portion; both veins empty into the cavernous sinus inside the skull. Both veins are valveless and anastomose with the facial vein thus interconnecting the extracranial and intracranial venous systems.

ovarian vein

In females, any of the veins that accompany the ovarian artery and that drain the ovary and Fallopian tube. Outside the broad ligament, the ovarian veins collect into two veins on each side of the body. These veins accompany the ovarian artery and merge into a single vein; the right ovarian vein then empties into the inferior cava (below the renal vein), while the left ovarian vein empties into the left renal vein.

pancreatic vein

Any of the veins that drain the body and tail of the pancreas; they empty into the splenic vein.

pancreaticoduodenal vein

The superior or the inferior pancreaticoduodenal veins, which accompany the arteries of the same name. Usually, the superior pancreaticoduodenal vein empties into the portal vein, while the inferior pancreaticoduodenal vein empties into the right gastroepiploic vein.

paraumbilical vein

Any of the veins that connect the anterior abdominal wall with the portal vein. The paraumbilical veins begin in the region of the umbilicus, and they run in the ligamentum teres and the median umbilical ligament.

popliteal vein

The vein that accompanies the popliteal artery. It is formed by the merger of the anterior and posterior tibial veins, and it ends by becoming the femoral vein at the distal opening of the adductor canal. The short saphenous vein is a major tributary of the popliteal vein.

portal vein

The vein that brings most of the venous blood draining from the intestines to the liver. The portal vein originates as the merger of the superior mesenteric and splenic veins underneath the neck of the pancreas. It then passes under the duodenum and joins the common bile duct and the hepatic artery as they run inside the right edge of the lesser omentum, over the epiploic foramen, and into the liver via the porta hepatis. Tributaries of the portal vein include the left gastric, right gastric, paraumbilical, and cystic veins.

posterior facial vein

A vein that begins as the merger of the superior temporal and the maxillary veins inside the parotid gland. The posterior facial vein divides into two branches: an anterior branch that empties into the facial vein, and a posterior branch that joins the posterior auricular vein to form the external jugular vein.

Synonym: retromandibular vein

posterior intercostal vein

posterior tibial vein

A deep vein in the lower limb that accompanies the posterior tibial artery; the vein drains the region supplied by the artery. The posterior tibial vein merges with the anterior tibial vein to form the popliteal vein in the popliteal fossa behind the knee.

pudendal vein

Any of the veins accompanying the external or the internal pudendal artery; the pudendal veins empty into the internal iliac vein.

pulmonary vein

Any of the four veins (two from each lung) that return newly-oxygenated blood to the left atrium of the heart. Pulmonary veins have no valves.

radial vein

A vein that drains blood from the forearm and the hand and then empties into the brachial vein.

rectal vein

Any of the veins accompanying the inferior, middle, or superior rectal arteries. The rectal veins originate in an interconnected venous plexus that surrounds the rectum and anal canal and that connects with the vesical (bladder) venous plexus in males and the vaginal venous plexus in females. The inferior rectal vein empties into the internal pudendal vein, the middle rectal vein empties into the internal iliac vein, and the superior rectal vein empties into the inferior mesenteric vein. The anastomoses in the rectal venous plexus allow back-pressure in the portal system to be transmitted through the inferior mesenteric and superior rectal veins to the inferior and middle rectal veins and thus into other systemic veins. Synonym: hemorrhoidal vein

renal vein

A large vein that drains blood from the kidney and empties into the inferior vena cava; the renal veins lie on top of (anterior to) the renal arteries. To reach the vena cava, the left renal vein passes over the aorta and is three times as long as the right renal vein. Tributaries of the left renal vein include the left testicular or ovarian vein and the left adrenal vein.

retromandibular vein

veins of Retzius

rolling vein

A vein that moves to the side during blood collection, generally because it is not anchored properly during the procedure.

sacralvein

Any of the veins accompanying the lateral or middle sacral arteries; the sacral veins empty into the internal iliac vein.

saphenous vein

The long or the short saphenous vein.

short saphenous vein

A superficial leg vein that begins in the venous plexus that drains the lateral side of the foot. The short saphenous vein ascends the lateral side of the posterior leg (the calf). Nearing the knee, the vein runs in the midline between the heads of the gastrocnemius muscle and through the popliteal fossa. It then empties into the popliteal vein approx. 5 cm above the knee joint. Synonym: lesser saphenous vein; small saphenous vein

small cardiac vein

A surface vein of the heart that begins at the apex, runs along the right ventricle, and follows the coronary sulcus to the right to drain into the coronary sinus.

small saphenous vein

spermatic vein

In males, the veins that accompany the testicular artery and that drain the testis and epididymis. In the spermatic cord, the spermatic veins form the pampiniform plexus. After emerging from the deep inguinal ring, the spermatic veins merge into two veins, which continue to accompany the testicular artery. Eventually, the two spermatic veins merge into a single vein on each side, and the right spermatic vein empties into the inferior cava (below the renal vein), while the left spermatic vein empties into the left renal vein.

Synonym: testicular vein

splenic vein

A large vein that drains the spleen and empties into the portal vein. Tributaries of the splenic vein include the short gastric, left gastroepiploic, and pancreatic veins.

stellate veins

Starlike venous plexuses on the surface of the kidney below its capsule.

subclavian vein

A large vein draining the arm and shoulder; it is the continuation of the axillary vein, beginning at the outer border of the first rib. Tributaries of the subclavian vein include the external jugular, dorsal scapular, and anterior jugular veins; the thoracic duct empties into the left subclavian vein, and the right lymphatic duct empties into the right subclavian vein. The subclavian vein ends by merging with the internal jugular vein to form the brachiocephalic vein.

superficial temporal vein

A network of veins that anastomose across the scalp and that collect into a single common vein, the superficial temporal vein. The superficial temporal vein then merges with the maxillary vein, inside the parotid gland, to form the posterior facial vein.

superior mesenteric vein

The vein that accompanies the superior mesenteric artery and drains the small intestine, cecum, ascending colon, and transverse colon. Under the neck of the pancreas, the superior mesenteric vein joins the splenic vein to form the portal vein. Tributaries of the superior mesenteric vein include the jejunal, ileal, ileocolic, right and middle colic, right gastroepiploic, and pancreaticoduodenal veins.

superior thyroid vein

The vein that accompanies the superior thyroid artery. Its tributaries include the superior laryngeal and cricothyroid veins, and it empties into the internal jugular vein (or, occasionally, the facial vein).

temporal vein

terminal vein

testicular vein

thalamostriate vein

The major vein draining the caudate nucleus and the thalamus of the brain. The thalamostriate vein merges with the choroid vein to form the internal cerebral vein.

thebesian vein

Any of the venules conveying blood from the myocardium to the atria or ventricles.

thyroid vein

The inferior, the middle, or the superior thyroid vein.

tibial vein

The anterior or the posterior tibial vein.

ulnar vein

A vein that drains blood from the forearm and the hand and that empties into the brachial vein.

umbilical vein

Along with the vitelline and the cardinal veins, the umbilical vein forms one of the three venous systems of the early embryo. The umbilical vein is a conduit for getting oxygenated blood from outside the embryo to the embryonic heart. In the fetus, deoxygenated blood is carried to the placenta from the internal iliac arteries via the right and left umbilical arteries. Oxygenated blood from the placenta is returned to the fetus in the single umbilical vein, which empties into the ductus venosus, a shunt that bypasses the fetal liver and connects directly to the inferior vena cava. Together, the umbilical vein and the umbilical arteries are the main contents of the umbilical cord.

VARICOSE VEINS IN LEG

varicose vein

A dilated vein. This condition may occur in almost any part of the body but is most common in the lower extremities and in the esophagus.

Etiology

The development of varicose veins of the legs is promoted and aggravated by pregnancy, obesity, genetics, chronic constipation, straining at stool, and occupations requiring prolonged standing. Esophageal varices are caused by portal hypertension that accompanies cirrhosis of the liver or mechanical obstruction and occlusion of hepatic veins.

Symptoms

Most varicose veins of the legs are asymptomatic, although they may be cosmetically undesirable. Esophageal varices and hemorrhoidal varices may bleed profusely. See: illustration

Treatment

In hemorrhage, elevation of the extremity and firm, gentle pressure over the wound will stop the bleeding. The patient should not be permitted to walk until the acute condition is controlled. Sclerotherapy, rubber band ligation, or octreotide may be used to control bleeding caused by hemorrhage from esophageal varices.

Patient care

The patient with lower extremity varicosities is taught to avoid anything that impedes venous return, such as wearing garters and tight girdles, crossing the legs at the knees, and prolonged sitting. After the legs have been elevated for 10 to 15 min, support hose are applied. The patient should not sit in a chair for longer than 1 hr at a time. Walking is encouraged for at least 5 min every hour. The patient should elevate the legs whenever possible, but no less than twice a day for 30 min each time, and should avoid prolonged standing. Exercise, esp. walking, is encouraged to promote the muscular contraction that moves blood through the veins and minimizes venous stasis. Signs of thrombophlebitis, a complication of varicose veins, include heat and local pain. If surgery is performed, elastic stockings or antithrombus devices are applied postoperatively, and the foot of the bed is elevated above the level of the heart. Analgesics are prescribed and administered as needed. Circulatory assessment (color and temperature of toes, pedal pulses) is carried out according to protocol or the surgeon’s orders. The patient is watched for complications such as bleeding, infection, and neurosensory problems. Overweight patients must lose weight.

vertebral vein

A vein draining the venous plexus that surrounds each vertebral artery. The vertebral vein leaves the sixth cervical transverse foramen and empties into the brachiocephalic vein.

vein of Vesalius

vitelline vein

Along with the umbilical and the cardinal veins, the vitelline veins form one of the three venous systems of the early embryo. The vitelline veins return blood from the yolk sac. These veins are the precursors of many of the gut veins, including the portal system, and are focal structures in the developing liver.

vorticose vein

Any of four veins (two superior and two inferior) that receive blood from all parts of the choroid of the eye. They empty into posterior ciliary and superior ophthalmic veins.

vein

(in higher animals) that part of the BLOOD CIRCULATORY SYSTEM carrying blood back to the heart from the tissues. Veins are thin-walled, but have the same basic structure as ARTERIES, although veins are usually larger than the corresponding artery. Veins, unlike arteries, will collapse when empty, and are provided with a series of oneway valves that aid in maintaining the flow of blood back to the heart, assisted by skeletal muscles when moving.

(in insect wings) the thickened parts of the CUTICLE that resemble a pattern of veins and enclose tubular airsacs (tracheae) and blood sinuses. Pumping blood into these veins early on in the adult stage causes the wings to take on their final form.

(in vascular plants) any of the vessels within the blade of each leaf (made up chiefly of vascular tissue) that are continuous with the VASCULAR BUNDLES of the stem. The patterns of such veins are distinctive in each plant and are often used in classification.

vein

vein

A tubular vessel that carries blood towards the heart. Seeartery.anterior ciliary vein One of many veins that drains the ciliary body, the deep and superficial plexuses, the anterior conjunctival veins and the episcleral veins to empty into the vortex veins.anterior facial vein Vein branching from the angular vein at the side of the nose and running obliquely downward and backward across the face. It crosses the mandible and joins the posterior facial vein to form the common facial vein, which opens into the internal jugular. The anterior facial vein drains the part of the eyelids anterior to the tarsus.aqueous vein One of several veins serving as exit channels for the aqueous humour, which they carry from the canal of Schlemm to the episcleral, conjunctival and subconjunctival veins.central retinal vein A vein formed by the junction of the superior and inferior retinal veins at about the level of the lamina cribrosa on the temporal side of the central retinal artery. After a short course within the optic nerve, it empties into the cavernous sinus, the superior ophthalmic vein and sometimes into the inferior ophthalmic vein. Seecentral retinal artery; retinal vein occlusion.conjunctival vein One of many veins that drains the tarsal conjunctiva, the fornix, and the major portion of the bulbar conjunctiva.inferior ophthalmic vein Vein that commences as a plexus near the floor of the orbit, runs backward on the inferior rectus muscles and divides into two branches, one which runs to the pterygoid venous plexus and the other which joins the cavernous sinus, usually via the superior ophthalmic vein. The inferior ophthalmic vein receives tributaries from the lower and lateral ocular muscles, the conjunctiva, the lacrimal sac and the two inferior vortex veins.palpebral vein One of the veins of the upper or lower eyelid that empties for the most part into the anterior facial vein as well as into the angular, supraorbital, superior and inferior ophthalmic, the lacrimal and the superficial temporal veins.posterior ciliary veinSeevortex vein.superior ophthalmic vein Vein that is formed near the root of the nose by a communication from the angular vein soon after it has been joined by the supraorbital vein. It passes into the orbit above the medial palpebral ligament, runs backward to the sphenoidal fissure where it usually meets the inferior ophthalmic vein, and drains into the cavernous sinus. It has many tributaries: the inferior ophthalmic vein, the anterior and posterior ethmoidal veins, the muscular vein, the lacrimal vein, the central retinal vein, the anterior ciliary vein and two of the posterior ciliary veins (the superior ones).vortex vein One of usually four (two superior and two inferior) veins which pierce the sclera obliquely on either side of the superior and inferior recti muscles, some 6 mm behind the equator of the globe. The two superior ones open into the superior ophthalmic vein and the two inferior open into the inferior ophthalmic vein. These veins drain the posterior uveal tract. Syn. posterior ciliary vein; vena vorticosa. Seeanterior ciliary vein.

vein

vein (vān),

n a blood vessel that conducts blood from the capillary bed to the heart. Size may range from the venules to small veins to large veins. See also each of the individual veins of the head and neck as they are listed.

vein, retromandibular

n the vein formed posterior to the mandible by the joining of maxillary and superficial temporal veins. The posterior branch connects with the external jugular vein while the anterior branch enters the internal jugular vein.

vein

a vessel through which blood passes from various organs or parts back towards the heart, in the systemic circulation carrying blood that has given up most of its oxygen. Veins, like arteries, have three coats, an inner, middle and outer, but the coats are not so thick and they collapse when the vessel is cut. Many veins, especially the superficial, have valves formed of reduplication of their lining membrane. For a complete list of the named veins of the body, see Table 15.

afferent v's

veins that carry blood to an organ.

allantoic v's

paired vessels that accompany the allantois, growing out from the primitive hindgut and entering the body stalk of the early embryo.

cardinal v's

the major veins within the early embryo that include the pre- and postcardinal veins and the ducts of Cuvier (common cardinal veins).

emissary vein

a vein escaping from a chamber or organ such as one passing through a foramen of the skull and draining blood from a cerebral sinus into a vessel outside the skull.

postcardinal v's

paired vessels in the early embryo that return blood from regions caudal to the heart.

precardinal v's

paired venous trunks in the embryo cranial to the heart.

pulp v's

vessels draining the venous sinuses of the spleen.

subcardinal v's

paired vessels in the embryo, replacing the postcardinal veins and persisting to some degree as definitive vessels.

sublobular v's

tributaries of the hepatic veins that receive the central veins of hepatic lobules.

supracardinal v's

paired vessels in the embryo developing later than the subcardinal veins and persisting chiefly as the lower segment of the inferior vena cava.

thebesian v's

smallest cardiac veins: numerous small veins arising in the muscular walls and draining independently into the cavities of the heart, and most readily seen in the atria.

trabecular v's

vessels coursing in splenic trabeculae, formed by tributary pulp veins.

varicose v's

permanently dilated, tortuous veins. The milk vein of a lactating cow is a normal varicose vein. See varicose veins.

vitelline v's

veins that return the blood from the yolk sac to the primitive heart of the early embryo.

Patient discussion about vein

Q. I drink liquor a lot maybe 4x a week and I love drinking but after a couple days my veins star to hurt...Y? It runs in the familly alcohol and bud but I wish I could go a whole year withought poppin bottles.. what will be perscibed to a alki?

A. FROM ALL THAT DRINKING

Q. Are long flights dangerous? I'm flying next week to my vacation, and the flight is going to be rather long (almost 16 hours non-stop). Several years ago, my 75 years-old aunt had blood clot in her lung after a flight of similar length. I also heard that during flight the blood in the legs clots and that it can cause after that problems with the lungs and breathing.
Does this mean it's dangerous for me to fly? Should I change my ticket to shorter connection flights?

A. Do other relatives of yours have blood clotting problems too, like your aunt? You should tell a doctor about the problem your aunt had and ask if it's genetic.

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